October 2012 News & Events from Georgia's State Parks

October 2012

Leaf Watch 2012

Every October, Georgia’s forests become a brilliant blanket of red, orange and gold, inspiring leaf peepers to pull out their cameras and lace up their hiking boots. To help track the changing leaves and plan autumn getaways, check our Leaf Watch website for regular updates from park rangers. You’ll find last-minute accommodations, an event calendar, desktop photos and advice from the Georgia Forestry Commission as well.

Typically, Georgia’s mountain parks peak in late October; however, color can be seen as early as September and throughout much of November. With beautiful color and pleasing temperatures, it’s the perfect time to hit the trails and explore. Hikes range from easy paved trails suitable for families with small children, to strenuous all day hikes. Some of the most popular parks for hiking and leaf watching include Amicalola Falls, Black Rock Mountain, Cloudland Canyon, Fort Mountain, Moccasin Creek, Smithgall Woods, Tallulah Gorge, Unicoi and Vogel. Park officials advise visitors to make overnight reservations as soon as possible. It is not uncommon for mountain cottages and yurts to be reserved nearly a year in advance, and many campgrounds fill up on pretty weekends. For less crowds and greater reservation flexibility, plan a weekday staycation. To make a reservation, call 1-800-864-7275 or log onto GeorgiaStateParks.org.

Runners, Get Ready

The North Face® Endurance Challenge is coming to F.D. Roosevelt State Park on October 13-14. The two-day event is loaded with races such as 50-Mile, 50K, marathon, marathon relay, half marathon, 10K and 5K. The North Face Global Athlete Team Member Dean Karnazes will even lead races for children and sign autographs. Spectators are welcome to cheer for runners and browse booths. To register, visit The North Face’s website or call 214-451-1903.

Day Out With Thomas the Tank Engine™

October 20, 21, 27, 28, 2012

Families with kids who adore Thomas the Tank Engine™can make reservations to spend “A Day Out with Thomas” at Georgia Veterans State Park in Cordele October 20, 21, 27 and 28. Children of all ages will have the chance to ride a 15-ton replica of Thomas the Tank Engine, meet character Sir Topham Hatt, join in storytelling, crafts, live music, face painting and more. The Mystery ON The Rails Tour is presented by HIT Entertainment. For tickets call 1-866-468-7630 or visit SamShortline.com

Great Deals for Golfers

Did you know that eight of Georgia’s State Parks offer challenging golf courses with affordable fees and overnight packages? In fact, Golf Digest ranked our courses among the “Sweetest Deals in Golf.” A $20 Club Card will help you save even more money throughout the year. Offers vary from course to course. For tee times and information, visit GeorgiaGolf.com or call 1-800-434-0982.

Join our New Park-to-Park Bicycling Adventure

November 9 – 11, 2012

Bicyclists, mark your calendars for Veterans Day weekend when you can join other enthusiasts on the new “Presidents & Patriots Park-to-Park Bike Adventure.” The two-night, three-day ride takes you 106 miles from Florence Marina State Park in Omaha to Georgia Veterans State Park in Cordele. Stop along the way include a SAM Shortline Excursion Train ride, and tours of Jimmy Carter National Historic Site and Andersonville National Historic Site and Cemetery. Set for November 9 – 11, the event is part of President Barack Obama’s “America’s Great Outdoors” initiative and the Georgia State Parks’ “Get Outdoors Georgia” campaign, with partnership from the National Park Service and River Valley Regional Commission. The $55 registration fee includes camping, some meals, tours and a t-shirt. ($35 without camping.) To register, visit georgiastateparks.org.

This event is in honor of Get Outdoors (GO) Georgia. Join this fun, guided hike that travels three miles from the park's lodge to Helen. Shuttle service is provided if hikers want to hike only one-way. Pre-registration required. $5 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.

Bear Creek Guided Hike

Monday, October 8, 10 a.m.

Friday, October 19, 10 a.m.

Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn

This is a strenuous hike, but we will go slow and enjoy the beautiful scenery on this 9-mile trail. Bring water, lunch, sunscreen, and a hiking stick if you have one. Meet at the G3 Building near the tennis courts. Reservations required. $25 plus $5 parking. (706) 913-7170.

Autumn Hayride and Fort Tour

Friday, October 12, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Fort Yargo State Park – Winder

Relax and enjoy a hayride and be amazed by the array of colors painted across our landscape, then tour our fort. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 867-3489.

Nothing welcomes the fall leaf watching season more than Bluegrass and Barbeque in the north Georgia mountains. Enjoy live bands Grass Backards, Delta Soul & The Mars Hill Porch Pickers along with good food at the foot of Taylor Ridge. $5 parking. (706) 857-0826.

Haunted Hills Hayride

Friday, October 19 through Saturday, October 20, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Friday, October 26 through Saturday, October 27, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Victoria Bryant State Park – Royston

It's time for our annual Haunted Hayride! We will be starting at 8 PM, so be here early. The last ticket will be sold at 10 PM. We will be showing a movie and have refreshments for sale between rides. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 245-6270.

Dahlonega Gold Rush Days

Saturday, October 20 through Sunday, October 21, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site – Dahlonega

Thousands come to see fall colors peaking and celebrate Dahlonega's 1828 discovery of gold. Included in the weekend event are 300 arts and craft exhibitors, a parade, children's activities, gold panning, and delicious food. Come tour the Gold Museum as part of your visit. $3.50 - $6 (706) 864-7247.

Come to this lakeside park for a hayride, campfire and storytelling. $5 parking. (706) 356-4362.

All Hallows Eve Event/Autumn Hayride

Wednesday, October 31, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Fort Yargo State Park – Winder

Learn about All Hallows Eve from the 18th century as well as taking a good ol' fashion hayride through the park. Join us at the historic fort to learn about life in the late 1700s. Tours includes interactive activities and educational opportunities. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 867-3489.

COASTAL GEORGIA

Stargazing

Saturday, October 13, 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Stephen C. Foster State Park – Fargo

Come out to the cul-de-sac at the end of 177 where we'll have an 18" telescope set up. You'll be able to see planets, star clusters, nebulae, and other celestial bodies. Learn new constellations you may not be familiar with. $5 Refuge Parking Fee. $3. (912) 637-5274.

Candle-Lantern Tour of Fort McAllister

Saturday, October 20

Fort McAllister Historic Park – Richmond Hill

Experience the fort by candlelight. Walk through these historic grounds and watch the soldiers going through their nightly duties and chores. Be sure to stay with your guide or you may be captured as a spy. $3.75 to $6.50 (912) 727-2339.

Haunted Trail and Fall-oween

Thursday, October 25 through Friday, October 27, 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday, October 27, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Skidaway Island State Park – Savannah

Thursday and Friday night come out for a frightening haunted trail. 7:30pm-9pm. Saturday the whole family can join in Falloween with an afternoon of games, crafts and hayrides. 1pm-4pm. Don’t forget trick or treating through the campground at 4pm-5pm. Haunted Trail $5 per person. Falloween $2 per child. $5 parking. (912) 598-2300.

The Fort by Moonlight and Oyster Roast Overnight

Saturday, October 27, 7 p.m.

Fort King George Historic Site – Darien

Guests on this canoe excursion will glide down the river under the moon and stars. Meet at Skipper's Seafood in Darien, and end up at the fort. Oyster roast dinner, and campout in the fort overnight. A once in a lifetime opportunity! $40. (912) 437-4770.

SOUTHERN & CENTRAL GEORGIA

Book Signing by Author and Ghost Hunter Faith Serafin

Saturday, October 6, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain

Join author and ghost hunter Faith Serafin for a chilling look into Columbus's haunted past as you stop by and purchase her book at our park office. She will be available to sign your book. $5 parking. (706) 663-4858.

Fall Games in the Field

Saturday, October 6, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Reed Bingham State Park – Adel

Celebrate fall with fun field-day games like face painting, beanbags, ring tosses and more. Children of all ages are welcome. $1 per round. $5 parking. (229) 896-3551.

Kolomoki Festival

Saturday, October 13, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Kolomoki Mounds Historic Park – Blakely

Enjoy a day of eats, shopping, boat tours, Native American demonstrations, singing and dancing performances, live music, antique tractor parade and more. Also available is the free children’s section with arts and crafts, moon walk, and blow up slide. $5 parking. (229) 724-2150.

Providence Canyon is one of the great geographic wonders of the eastern United States. Join Professor Rich McWilliams of Thomas University in Thomasville, Ga. for a close-up view of this most unusual state park. Pre-registration is required. $5 plus $5 parking. (229) 838-4706.

Trick-or-treaters,beware! We will be having our haunted hayride as well as our well known haunted house Friday and Saturday night. Ghosts, goblins and monsters -- oh my! $2 for hayride $2 for haunted house. $5 parking. (229) 896-3551.

For two weekends only, Thomas will visit the SAM Shortline Excursion Train at Georgia Veterans State Park in southwest Georgia. You can spend a whole day with the beloved storybook engine, Sir Topham Hatt and other friends. 1-877-427-2457.

Creepy Crooked River

Saturday, October 27, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Crooked River State Park – St. Marys

From 5 - 7 PM walk through the creepy nature center and learn how animals play tricks to survive. Then make your own creepy treats and tricks in our spooky lab with a mad scientist. Then 7:30 - 10 PM go for a haunted hayride if you dare (parental discretion advised). $1 ages 3 and up $5 parking. (912) 882-5256.

Celebrate Halloween with a haunted hayride, games for kids, and a costume contest. Food vendors will be on hand. Games 1 ticket each, hayride 3 tickets, cakewalk 1 ticket. $1 per ticket. $5 parking. (229) 838-4706.

Moonlight Madness

Saturday, October 27, 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.

General Coffee State Park – Nicholls

Great fun will be had by all at this annual fall festival. The day starts with a kids carnival in the afternoon followed by the opening of the Haunted House and hayrides after dark. $1-$5 plus $5 parking. (912) 384-7082.

METRO ATLANTA

Battle of Allatoona Pass

Saturday, October 6 and 7

Allatoona Pass Battlefield – Emerson

Join us at the Allatoona Pass Battlefield for tours of the site, battle re-enactments, musket and cannon firings, and signal flag demonstrations. Call Red Top Mountain State Park for information. (770) 975-0055.

This mile-long guided night hike is easy to moderately difficult and goes inside the Civil War era textile mill ruins of New Manchester. Candle lanterns will be provided. No children under 6 years or dogs permitted. Space is limited and is on a first-come first-serve basis. Meet and register at the Interpretive Center. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.